Tiger Woods has voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in finalising a merger deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. (Image: GETTY)
Tiger Woods has voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in finalising a merger deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Despite an agreement framework being established almost 18 months ago between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the deal is yet to be completed.
Speaking at a press conference for his Hero World Championship, Woods expressed his dissatisfaction, stating: “Wish we had something more concrete. Still working through it, it’s happening daily. Things are moving and they’re constructive.
He went on to echo Rory McIlroy’s view of the standoff, blaming the Department of Justice for the hold-up. Woods continued: ” He also echoed Rory McIlroy’s sentiments, attributing the delay to the Department of Justice, adding: “Even if we would’ve had a deal done by now, it’s still in the DOJ’s hands.”
A previous agreement in 2023 between the PGA Tour, PIF and the DP World Tour proposed a merger of their commercial assets, allowing free movement between the tours with the inclusion of LIV Golf.
Woods expressed uncertainty about the future landscape of golf after the merger, (Image: GETTY)
The DOJ’s Antitrust Division appears to be a major obstacle in the way, with McIlroy mentioning last month his hope that ‘s potential return as President might expedite matters.
As the golf world anticipates the merger outcome, the impact on existing tours remains uncertain, following suspensions and hefty fines leveled against PGA Tour players who switched to the controversial Saudi-funded circuit.
Notably, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm could soon have the option to play across different tours.
Woods expressed uncertainty about the future landscape of golf after the merger, commenting, “I think something will get done. In what form or shape, I don’t know yet.”
Meanwhile, LIV Golf continues its pursuit of top talent, with rumours of Tony Finau being courted for a role within an unnamed team.
Despite initial turmoil, the rift in the sport shows signs of healing, exemplified by Sergio Garcia and Tyrrell Hatton’s return to the DP World Tour, potentially joining Rahm at next year’s Ryder Cup in New York.